EDMONTON – Two and a half years after her death, Bernice Jingling was honoured for an act of bravery that saved the life of her great-granddaughter, who accepted the award on her behalf.
On April 7, 2011, Bernice was walking then six-year-old Tiara to school. The pair was crossing the street, when Bernice noticed an SUV coming at them. Bernice pushed her great-granddaughter away in an effort to save her. Both were still struck by the vehicle. Tiara’s injuries were not life-threatening injuries. Bernice, however, succumbed to hers in hospital.
Now nine-years-old, Tiara accepted her great-grandmothers silver medal for bravery from the Royal Canadian Humane Association on Monday.
“We really all miss her,” the fourth-grader said, holding back tears.
“She was really kind, she hated when I got in trouble,” she added, “so, she’s like ‘ok, just blame it all on me.'”
Deputy premier, Thomas Lukaszuk – who witnessed the accident and attempted to stabilize Bernice Jingling – was also recognized for his efforts at the awards. He calls it a humbling experience.
“In my opinion, I haven’t done anything that any one of you wouldn’t have done. The real hero in all of this was Ms. Jingling.”
“She gave her life to save my daughter,” Tiara’s father, Bruce Jingling, said tearfully.
Bernice Jingling’s silver medal will now become an important family keepsake.
She was among 23 people recognized for acts of bravery by The Royal Canadian Humane Association.
With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News
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